DashboardSymbols.com descriptions of the symbols and tell-tales used on automobile and light truck dashboards and instrument panels.
Engine stop This is an Engine Stop Indicator symbol. If this is seen, the engine has stopped, making the indicator nearly pointless. According to the manufacturer who uses this symbol, Audi, it likely means an engine or fuel system malfunction. Again, not much help. Before continuing, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/03/engine-stop-indicator/
Rear spoiler malfunction These are Rear Spoiler Malfunction Indicator symbols. They are seen when the rear spoiler does not extend automatically at high speeds as it should. This is a system employed by Audi in the A7 and TT models, and it is recommended that the vehicle not be driven over 85 mph when either …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/03/rear-spoiler-malfunction-indicators/
Laser lights This is a Laser Lights Indicator symbol. If properly implemented, the laser lights switch on shortly after the LED high beams are switched on, if the vehicle is traveling at or above 44 mph. The indicator light will then be seen. Laser headlight technology is illegal in the United States. Before continuing, is …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/03/laser-lights-indicator/
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/03/problematic-in-car-owners-manuals-on-the-rise/
Automatic exterior lights These are Automatic Exterior Lights Mode Indicator symbols. This lamp is seen in green when the vehicle’s exterior lights are operating in auto mode. Headlamps will turn on in darkness or dark areas and off when there is adequate ambient light. Other exterior lamps remain on. Before continuing, is this truly your …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/03/automatic-exterior-lights-mode-indicator/
Roof load This is a Roof Load Indicator symbol. It will appear in a Land Rover vehicle when OCTA drive mode is enabled. OCTA mode, a high-performance off-road driving mode, should be disabled before driving the vehicle with a roof load. Before continuing, is this truly your symbol?? If yes, read on below. Otherwise, you …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/03/roof-load-indicator/
Semi-adaptive cruise control We are in the process of updating our Opel dashboard symbols page, and ran across an odd item: Semi-adaptive Cruise Control. It, of course, has a slightly different indicator symbol, because why not, but we had to dig in to understand why it is semi-adaptive. We don’t see a difference, except in …
Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2025/03/semi-adaptive-cruise-control-indicator/
Problematic in-car owner’s manuals on the rise
In-car owner’s manuals We’ve expressed our grievances with owner’s manuals many, many times over the years. But the growing trend towards in-car owner’s manuals should really stop. At best they are difficult to navigate. We’ve used manuals from Maserati, Polestar and Volvo and in each case we’re left frustrated with the experience. Most recently, we …
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